scholarly journals Knowledge of, and Attitudes towards, Live Fish Transport among Aquaculture Industry Stakeholders in China: A Qualitative Study

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2678
Author(s):  
Yifei Yang ◽  
Tingyun Wang ◽  
Clive J. C. Phillips ◽  
Qingjun Shao ◽  
Edward Narayan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Chinese Consumers ◽  
Eye Color ◽  
Plastic Bags ◽  
Aquaculture Industry ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
Food Fish ◽  
Attitudes And Knowledge

China is the largest food fish producer in the world. Chinese consumers normally purchase fish that are still alive to ensure freshness. Therefore, the live transport of fish is important in China’s aquaculture, although it carries potential risks for animal welfare. This study investigated the attitudes and knowledge of stakeholders within Chinese aquaculture towards the live transport and welfare of fish. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants who were involved with the aquaculture industry in China. Most participants self-rated their transport-related knowledge as moderate and had some understanding of animal welfare, although this term was generally considered only relevant to terrestrial animals. Participants’ responses indicated that the live transport of fish occurs frequently in China, generally using sealed tanks, plastic bags, and foam boxes, in purpose-built vehicles. Seasonal changes, such as changes in ambient and water temperature, are considered to be important contributors to successful live transport, as well as sufficient oxygen supplies and stocking density. The use of anesthetics was not commonly reported, particularly in food fish, and fish capture is predominantly by conventional dipnets. The health status of transported fish is determined mostly by morphology (body injury, body or eye color, and fin condition), as well as vigor and swimming ability. Our results indicate that live transport poses a number of welfare risks to fish but that participants in the process associated welfare concerns more with terrestrial animals, not fish.

scholarly journals Secondary Data Usage in Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing: To What Extent Are Customers Aware and Concerned?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Janessa Mladucky ◽  
Bonnie Baty ◽  
Jeffrey Botkin ◽  
Rebecca Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Testing ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Customer Data ◽  
Secondary Use ◽  
Data Usage ◽  
Direct To Consumer ◽  
New Information ◽  
Opt Out ◽  
Potential Risks

Introduction: Customer data from direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTC GT) are often used for secondary purposes beyond providing the customer with test results. Objective: The goals of this study were to determine customer knowledge of secondary uses of data, to understand their perception of risks associated with these uses, and to determine the extent of customer concerns about privacy. Methods: Twenty DTC GT customers were interviewed about their experiences. The semi-structured interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed for common themes. Results: Most participants were aware of some secondary uses of data. All participants felt that data usage for research was acceptable, but acceptability for non-research purposes varied across participants. The majority of participants were aware of the existence of a privacy policy, but few read the majority of the privacy statement. When previously unconsidered uses of data were discussed, some participants expressed concern over privacy protections for their data. Conclusion: When exposed to new information on secondary uses of data, customers express concerns and a desire to improve consent with transparency, more opt-out options, improved readability, and more information on future uses and potential risks from direct-to-consumer companies. Effective ways to improve readership about the secondary use, risk of use, and protection of customer data should be investigated and the findings implemented by DTC companies to protect public trust in these practices.

scholarly journals The usefulness of science knowledge for parents of hearing-impaired children

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Shauli ◽  
Ayelet Baram-Tsabari
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Impaired ◽  
Contextual Knowledge ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Science Knowledge ◽  
General Science ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Attitudes And Knowledge ◽  
Explained Variance ◽  
Impaired Children ◽  
Hearing Impaired Children

Hearing-impaired children’s chances of integrating into hearing society largely depend on their parents, who need to learn vast amounts of science knowledge in the field of hearing. This study characterized the role played by science knowledge in the lives of nonscientists faced with science-related decisions by examining the interactions between general science knowledge, contextual science knowledge in the field of hearing, and parents’ advocacy knowledge and attitudes. Based on six semi-structured interviews and 115 questionnaires completed by parents of hearing-impaired children, contextual science knowledge emerged as the only predictor for having slightly better advocacy attitudes and knowledge (5.5% explained variance). Although general science knowledge was the best predictor of contextual knowledge (14% of explained variance), it was not a direct predictor of advocacy knowledge and attitudes. Science knowledge plays some role in the lives of hearing-impaired families, even if they do not list it as a resource for successful rehabilitation.

scholarly journals Effect of density of fingerling and juvenile pirarucu during transportation on water quality and physiological parameters

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 223-231
Author(s):  
Adriana Ferreira LIMA ◽  
Hyago Jovane Borges de OLIVEIRA ◽  
André Silvério PEREIRA ◽  
Silmara Sanae SAKAMOTO
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Water Quality ◽  
Dissolved Oxygen ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Physiological Parameters ◽  
Plastic Bags ◽  
Arapaima Gigas ◽  
Unionized Ammonia

ABSTRACT We assessed the effect of stocking density on physiological parameters (blood lactate, glucose, cortisol, hematocrit), water quality (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, unionized ammonia, carbon dioxide), and survival during the transportation of fingerling (24.5 ± 4.7 g) and juvenile (615.8 ± 122.2 g) pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) for six hours in plastic bags. The tested densities were 65, 80, 95, 110 and 125 g L-1 for fingerlings, and 50, 80, 110, 140 and 170 g L-1 for juveniles (three replicates each). Parameters were measured prior to and immediately after transportation, and at 24 and 96 hours recovery after transportation. No mortality was observed, except for fingerlings (< 3%) at densities of 110 and 125 g L-1 during recovery. All the water quality parameters were significantly altered after the transportation of fingerlings and juveniles. Water temperature, dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide and unionized ammonia increased, but pH decreased. Only carbon dioxide and unionized ammonia differed among densities. Cortisol levels did not increase over time, except for the juveniles at 170 g L-1, which still had high cortisol after 96 hours. Glucose significantly increased after transportation for all the treatments and returned to the initial values during the recovery period. Conversely, the lactate values were still high after 96 hours. Hematocrit was assessed only for juveniles and was significantly lower after transportation. We conclude that fingerling and juvenile pirarucu can be safely transported at densities up to 95 g L-1 and 140 g L-1, respectively.

Dairy cow welfare: the role of research and development in addressing increasing scrutiny

2013 ◽  
Vol 53 (9) ◽  
pp. 924 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. D. Fisher ◽  
J. R. Webster
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Grazed Pasture ◽  
Dairy Management ◽  
Animal Management ◽  
Cow Welfare

Pasture-based dairying in New Zealand and Australia has come under increasing animal welfare scrutiny as a result of changing public expectations for farm animal management. Concurrently, efficiency-driven changes in dairy management practices and a broadening of the feedbase beyond traditionally grazed pasture have resulted in increased intensification and stocking density within the dairy industries. This intensification has included a higher proportion of grain concentrates in the diet (particularly in Australia), and the greater management of cows off pasture and even in housing (particularly in New Zealand). Research to assess the animal welfare implications of these changes and to recommend good practice management has concentrated on issues of cow environments and cow feeding, including body condition. Research has shown that cows may be managed for a few hours per day on concrete surfaces without compromising their lying behaviour and other indicators of welfare, but that longer periods off pasture require the provision of a well drained and comfortable lying surface. Other research has defined the extremes of hot and cold/wet conditions beyond which cows benefit from provision of adequate shade and shelter. Research on cow body condition has indicated that welfare responses are aligned with measures of health and productivity in supporting the need to maintain a minimum body condition before calving and during the subsequent weight loss period of early lactation. Continued research, extension and industry adoption will enable dairy producers to address community expectations as they continue to change their farming practices.

scholarly journals A more promising architecture? Commissioners’ perspectives on the reconfiguration of personality disorder services under the Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) pathway

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 306-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Trebilcock ◽  
Manuela Jarrett ◽  
Tim Weaver ◽  
Colin Campbell ◽  
Andrew Forrester ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personality Disorder ◽  
Empirical Work ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Probation Service ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
Severe Personality Disorder ◽  
Health Field ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the views of NHS England (NHSE) and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) commissioners about the Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) pathway. Design/methodology/approach A thematic analysis of four semi-structured interviews with NHSE and HMPPS commissioners is conducted. Findings Commissioners offered a cautious but confident assessment of the potential effectiveness of the OPD pathway, drawing particular attention to its potential to enhance the confidence and competency of staff, offer better value for money and provide enhanced progression routes for offenders with personality disorders. Additionally, commissioners identified a number of potential risks for the pathway including wider system flux, funding availability, multi-agency working, offender engagement and the need to evidence effectiveness. Research limitations/implications The analysis is based on a small number of interviews. However, there are only a limited number of commissioners involved with the OPD pathway. Practical implications While the stronger focus on progression in the OPD pathway is a welcome departure from a narrow focus on high security Dangerous and Severe Personality Disorder (DSPD) services, the foundations of the OPD pathway ultimately lie with the DSPD programme and similar challenges are likely to follow. The system within which the pathway operates is subject to a great deal of flux and this inevitably poses significant challenges for pathway services, staff and offenders, as well as for those of us charged with its evaluation. Originality/value There has been limited empirical work with commissioners in the mental health field. The paper offers a unique insight into the perspectives of those responsible for commissioning the OPD pathway.

scholarly journals Consumption strategies and motivations of Chinese consumers

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 419-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Elisabeth Henninger ◽  
Panayiota J. Alevizou ◽  
JiaoLin Tan ◽  
Qiwen Huang ◽  
Daniella Ryding
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Chinese Consumers ◽  
Target Groups ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fashion Products ◽  
The Uk ◽  
New Consumer ◽  
Consumption Strategies ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore Chinese consumers’ motivations to purchase luxury fashion products in the UK and how far sustainability plays a role in the decision-making process, by extending the consumer typology of translators, exceptors, selectors. The authors further add an additional dimension to defining “luxury”. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory design utilising multiple qualitative research tools (semi-structured interviews, focus groups) provides the basis for this research. A grounded analysis was applied. Findings Findings map motivational drivers to purchasing luxury products and establish a fourth consumer type “indulgers”. Well-being further emerged as a key characteristic that defines “luxury”. Research limitations/implications The sample size is limited to Chinese consumers purchasing luxury fashion in the UK, and thus may not be generalised. Practical implications This research helps managers to understand the consumer types and underlying motivations of Chinese consumers purchasing luxury fashion in the UK. As one of the largest target groups, this research informs managers on how to further capitalise on this market. Originality/value This paper creates a new consumer typology that not only categorises consumers according to their consumption aspects, but further identifies their underlying motivations to do so.

scholarly journals Effects of a Partially Perforated Flooring System on Ammonia Emissions in Broiler Housing—Conflict of Objectives between Animal Welfare and Environment?

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 707
Author(s):  
Carolin Adler ◽  
Alexander J. Schmithausen ◽  
Manfred Trimborn ◽  
Sophia Heitmann ◽  
Birgit Spindler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Ph Value ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Ventilation Rate ◽  
Air Pollutant ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Poultry Production ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Nh3 Emission

A partially (50%) perforated flooring system showed positive effects on health- and behavior-based welfare indicators without affecting production performance. Ammonia (NH3) is the most common air pollutant in poultry production, with effects on animal welfare and the environment. The objectives of animal welfare and environmental protection are often incompatible. Therefore, this study addresses the question of how a partially perforated flooring system affects NH3 emissions. According to German regulations, three fattening periods were carried out with 500 Ross 308 broilers per barn (final stocking density: 39 kg m−2). The experimental barn was equipped with an elevated perforated area in the supply section, accessible by perforated ramps. The remaining area in the experimental barn and the control barn were equipped with wood shavings (600 g m−2). Besides the different floor types, management was identical. Air temperature (Temp), relative air humidity (RH), NH3 concentration, and ventilation rate (VR) were measured continuously. Furthermore, dry matter (DM) content, pH, and litter quality were assessed. Towards the end of the fattening periods, the NH3 emission rate (ER) of the partially perforated flooring system was higher compared with that of the littered control barn (all p < 0.001). This effect is mainly caused by the higher NH3 concentrations, which are promoted by the lack of compaction underneath the elevated perforated area and the increase in pH value under aerobic conditions. Nevertheless, the partially perforated flooring system offers different approaches for NH3 reduction that were previously not feasible, potentially contributing equally to animal welfare and environmental protection.

scholarly journals The importance of nutrition in alleviating high stocking density stress in poultry

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Esra Tuğçe Gül ◽  
Alpönder Yildiz ◽  
Osman Olgun
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Unit Area ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Stress Indicators ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Ideal

Abstract In recent decades, the number of birds reared per unit area has dramatically spiked to increase profitability in egg and meat production. However, nowadays, the increase in sensitivity to animal welfare and consumer demands brings along with it a raised interest in stocking density. Stocking density is defined either as the number of animals or body weight per unit area or as the area per animal. High stocking density, which is a stress factor, can be defined as an increase in the number of animals per unit area or a decrease in the area per animal. Stress caused by high stocking density negatively affects the bird’s physiology and performance as well as the quality of the product obtained. The ideal stocking density should be 9 laying hens, 35 kilogrammes for broilers, and 45 quails per square metre. Otherwise, one will observe stress indicators in birds reared in more than the recommended stocking density per unit area and, consequently, a decrease in bird growth, egg production, feed efficiency, and egg or meat quality. Apart from increasing the concentrations of amino acids such as lysine, methionine, tryptophan and arginine, minerals such as selenium and chromium, and vitamins such as C and E in the diet, the addition of additives such as probiotics, humates, phytophenol compounds, and propolis is also effective in reducing or eliminating these negative effects caused by high stocking density. As a result, regulations in the nutrition of animals are effective in reducing/preventing such negative effects, thus improving animal welfare and ensuring the maintenance of optimum yield.

Protecting farm animal welfare during intensification: Farmer perceptions of economic and regulatory pressures

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-141
Author(s):  
M Molnár ◽  
D Fraser
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Consumer Choice ◽  
Regulatory System ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Time Lags ◽  
Economic Pressure ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Farm Animal Welfare ◽  
Niche Markets ◽  
External Pressures

Pig (Sus scrofa) production in Hungary provides a case study in how external pressures influence animal production, animal welfare and intensification. External pressures were explored in 24 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with Hungarian pig farmers operating either confinement or alternative systems. Confinement producers reported intense economic pressure because of a power imbalance with the large meat-processing companies that buy their animals. These companies, in the view of the farmers, can source internationally and largely dictate prices. When prices paid by the companies fall below the cost of production, farmers cannot respond by reducing production because of the long time-lags between breeding and marketing; and with their large investment in confinement buildings that are difficult to modify, farmers see little option except to reduce production costs further. Alternative farmers reported being more resilient to economic pressures because they sell into niche markets, use inexpensive technologies, and typically produce a diversity of agricultural products which buffer periods of low profit in any one commodity. The current regulatory system was seen as inadequate to protect animal welfare from economic pressure because it focuses on certain inputs rather than welfare outcomes, does not cover some important determinants of animal welfare, and does not accommodate certain realities of farming. Current subsidies were also seen as an inadequate remedy, and were viewed as inequitable because they are difficult for alternative producers to access. Consumer-choice options, while used by alternative producers, are not available in mainstream markets which demand uniform 'commodity' production. The economic constraints that influence animal welfare might be better mitigated by a regulatory system developed with greater consultation with producers, a more equitable subsidy programme, and more developed consumer-choice programmes.

Seed production and grow-out of yellow catfish in China.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei-min Wang
Keyword(s):  
Latency Period ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Early Morning ◽  
Pelteobagrus Fulvidraco ◽  
Fish Feed ◽  
Fish Farms ◽  
Yellow Catfish ◽  
Food Fish ◽  
Palm Fronds ◽  
Stocking Rates

Abstract Broodstock of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) is collected from lakes or local fish farms, either in the autumn or at least 3 months before the onset of the spring spawning season, and stocked in earthen ponds. Broodstock should have a robust body, be free of wounds and diseases, and be larger than 50 g for females and 100 g for males. The number of eggs spawned varies with the health and condition of the female. Stocking rates for broodstock are 2,250-3,000 kg ha-1. Specially made fish feed for broodstock is available from many feed producers. Broodstock requires a higher quality feed than food fish, with a minimum of 36% protein. Fish are fed at 2-3% body weight daily, two to three times a day. Artificial propagation is carried out from late April to the beginning of May. One-kg fish is injected with 10 µg of LRH-A at the pectoral fin base for both females and males at a ratio of 3:1. Two injections are needed with an interval of 15 hours. The second injection is normally given in the early morning so that the fish spawn at night. Immediately after administration of the hormone, the broodstock is released into cement breeding tanks with patches of palm fronds laid on the bottom. Yellow catfish spawn after a latency period of 18-24 hours. Incubation time is generally 3-4 days at a water temperature of 24-26°C. After hatching, the larvae are kept in concrete tanks without feeding for 3-4 days before yolk sac absorption. They are kept in the same tanks for 7-10 days, during which small zooplankton are supplied as feed. After the fry reach 1 cm, they are transferred to nursing ponds for growing to fingerlings. Fry are stocked in fry nursing ponds at a density of 450,000-750,000 fry ha-1 and fed with commercial powder feed. After 6 months, the fish can reach a weight of 20 g; they are then released into grow-out ponds. The stocking density for grow-out ponds is 150,000-180,000 fish ha-1. The growth of male and female yellow catfish differs greatly. The male usually grows to 100-200 g, whereas the female can only reach 50-100 g after 1 year of culture. The market size for yellow catfish is above 50 g per fish.

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